Judith Ann (McNulty) Wilson passed away on July 20, 2025. The second of seven children of Jim and Eulalie "Nell" McNulty, Judy was born on April 5, 1940 in Minneapolis, MN. After their family moved to Rapid City, Judy often spent time with her grandparents at their cottage at Medicine Lake just outside the Twin Cities. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1958. She then earned her beautician's license.

Judy married Walter Wilson on October 10, 1959 when he was on leave from the US Navy. While Walter was stationed in Southern California, Judy spent part of her time living in Long Beach, and then in Rapid City as the couple saved money for their first home. Judy kept a tight budget. When what she had allotted for gas money was spent for the month, she would walk several miles to and from work on a daily basis. No matter the weather.

Walt and Judy built their first house together on Explorer Street in Rapid City. And then they found their forever place… an acreage north of Piedmont, South Dakota. They built their home together, moving in with no walls except for those on one bathroom. They finished their home while their kids ran through open stud walls and then lived there for more than 55 years, raising their family, as well as chickens, goats, a few hogs and some cattle. There might have been a horse or two as well. And a ginormous garden that led to days of canning and a root cellar filled and ready to feed a large family through the winter.

After suffering several miscarriages, Walter and Judy started their family with the birth of their son Dan in 1964. By 1970 the family had grown to four children with the addition of Kerry, Reeny, and Doug. They also began their journey as foster parents, first for the state of South Dakota and then with the Casey Family Program. Through those experiences, they welcomed more than 30 foster children to their home over a twenty plus year period. Three of those children became a permanent part of the family. Lorna was adopted, and then Jolene and Heidi were permanently placed.

Judy was active as a 4H Leader, coordinated religious education for St. Mary's Parish in Piedmont, and then Our Lady of the Black Hills. She joined her husband as he studied to become a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church and ministered with him following his ordination in 1981. She was on the board for Catholic Social Services, and a member of the Piedmont Phillies. She began working for Piedmont Elementary School in 1980 as the playground supervisor. Over the next 25 years, Judy enjoyed her time working with elementary school staff and students as a nurses aid, office assistant, and librarian.

Her father instilled in her a love for this country and our democracy. So much so that she became a fixture at each election in the Piedmont Gym. For many years, there were two Mrs. Wilsons (Mary and Judy) - one from each side of I-90 representing both sides of the aisle - who worked the elections.

As they neared retirement, Judy enjoyed traveling with her husband in their RV, taking a once in a lifetime trip to Ireland, and being with her grandchildren. She enjoyed running, walking and hiking. Knitting, sewing and painting ceramics were favorite pastimes.

Judy became a great grandma when Grace arrived in August of 2010…Great Grandma Judy was the first family member to hold her and now 15 years later great grandchild number 16 is due in August. As more great grandchildren arrived, Judy's short-term memory continued to decline. Even when she didn't remember their names, she always had a smile for them, and she knew she loved them.

Judy is survived by her husband of more than 65 years, Walter; their children Dan (Joan) Wilson of Piedmont, Kerry (Bob) Beyer of Hermosa, Reeny Wilson of Rapid City, Doug (Kelli) Wilson of Piedmont, Lorna and Heidi; grandchildren Cody (Kayli) Wilson of Sturgis, Caitlin Wilson of Piedmont, Chris (Jon) Feist of Dell Rapids, Nate (Bethany) Wilson of Piedmont, Clint (Janae) Wilson of Sioux Falls, Tony, Korry (Jack) Robinson of Rapid City, Kerry (Morgan) Giannonatti of Ludlow, Shannon Wilson of Honolulu, John Wilson of Piedmont, Brett (Thea) Beyer of Hermosa, and Alicia; and great grandchildren Grace, Liam, Makenzie, Brogan, Noah, Ryan, Kade, Theoren, Killian, Jack Jr, Logan, Luke, Beau, Scout, Madelyn, and the soon to arrive Sweet #16; her siblings Mary Ellen (Joe) LaLomia of Florida, Kathy (Lowell) Amiotte of Rapid City, Nell Bessette of Wyoming, Patty (Steve) Hotchkiss of Wisconsin, Peg (Jim) Dimock of Sioux Falls, and Jim (Carol) McNulty of Rapid City; in-laws Wayne (LaVerne) Wilson of Aberdeen and Linda (Ron) Sahli also of Aberdeen, Janice, Peggy and DeAnn; goddaughters Terese (Paula DeLap) LaLomia of Minnesota and Janelle (Cliff) Underwood of Wyoming and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Nell McNulty, foster daughter Jolene (Peltier) Villa, foster grandson Michael Peltier, mother and father-in-law Ilene Weber and Clarence A. Wilson, and her brothers-in-law John Bessette and Clarence "Clay" J. Wilson.

Our thanks to the team at Friendly Horizons in Summerset who gave "Grandma Judy" loving care and comfort in her final months and days. We greatly appreciate your kindness and dedicated service to those experiencing memory loss.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:30 pm Sunday, July 27, at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church, 12365 Sturgis Road, Piedmont, SD with Recital of the Rosary and a Vigil Service at 6:30 pm.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Monday, July 28 at the church and the Burial Service to follow at the Piedmont Cemetery.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.